DWU appoints Education professor to new position

MITCHELL – Dakota Wesleyan University announced this week that Dr. Tressa Wede, associate professor of education at DWU, has been appointed to the new position of Director of Education and Community Engagement. Wede’s new role is funded by the recent Musick endowment.

Wede will lead the collaborative efforts between DWU and the Mitchell School District to oversee several areas including faculty development, curriculum innovation, educator preparedness programs and implementation of tutoring and academic support services. Wede’s goal will be to help develop a seamless alignment of efforts to creatively enhance the educational experience from kindergarten through college.

DWU President Dan Kittle was excited to make the announcement. “Dr. Wede brings a unique depth of knowledge about both Dakota Wesleyan University and Mitchell Public Schools. That insight, coupled with her ability to listen and lead, makes her the ideal inaugural Director of Education and Community Engagement.”

Said Wede about her appointment, “I am honored to step into this role. With more than 20 years in Mitchell Public Schools, I have remained deeply committed to public education and proud of the work teachers do every day. My time in the classroom and now as a professor of education has shown me firsthand how collaboration opens meaningful opportunities for students.”

Wede continued, outlining some of the program’s goals. “Early goals include supporting Mitchell teachers through professional development, guiding high school students in the college decision process, and enhancing DWU’s graduate education programs. I am excited about this unprecedented investment in public education and look forward to expanding opportunities for students, educators, and families. Roger and Vicki Musick’s generosity will strengthen our long-standing partnership and will ensure that it continues to grow.”

Wede joined the DWU Education department in 2021. She holds a B.A. degree from DWU, an M.Ed. from South Dakota State University and an Ed.D. from Liberty University. She is the recipient of the 2025 Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence at DWU. Prior to coming to DWU, Wede taught at L.B. Williams Elementary School in Mitchell where she was awarded LBW Teacher of the Year in 2007.

For the 2025-26 school year, Wede will retain her teaching schedule at DWU while working on the new initiatives and will move full-time into the new position by next fall.